Pennsylvania Guide

Last Updated: 12/31/2025

Note: This guide covers statewide requirements. Some counties or cities may have additional procedures or regulations that are not listed here — always check with the local sheriff or police department before applying or purchasing. This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Buying a Gun:

Minimum age: 21 Handgun, 18 Long gun.
Dealer sales background check: Yes (for handguns; dealers must use PICS).
Waiting period: None.
Private sales: Handguns require a background check and must be processed through an FFL. Long guns only require a bill of sale.

Concealed Carry:

Permit required? Yes — Pennsylvania requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) to carry concealed.
If permit required: Shall-issue (i.e., if you meet statutory criteria, license must be issued).
Training required? Not required for a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF)
Out-of-state permit recognition: Yes, but only from states with reciprocity and only for those 21+.

Special Notes:

Pennsylvania has statewide preemption of firearm laws.
No red flag laws.
No assault weapon or magazine capacity restrictions.
No firearm registration requirements.
18–20 year olds’ public-carry rights have been subject to recent court rulings and are legally contested. Currently open carry is legal for anyone 18+.

How to Buy a Gun in Pennsylvania

Prerequisites

Age: 21 Handgun, 18 Long gun
Residency: Federal law requires all handgun purchases to occur in your state of residency. Buyers must be U.S. citizens or legal residents. State residency is not required for long gun purchases
ID requirements: Valid and current government-issued ID. Further proof of residency may be required.
Prohibited-person highlights: Felons, domestic violence misdemeanors or restraining orders, unlawful drug users, fugitives, those adjudicated mentally defective or committed, and other federally prohibited categories.

Dealer Purchase Steps

Visit a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer.
Present valid ID, proof of residency, and complete the ATF Form 4473.
Dealer runs PICS (Pennsylvania Instant Check System) background check.
If approved, complete the purchase (no waiting period required).

Private Sales / Gun Shows

Handguns must go through a licensed dealer (private parties can’t avoid background check).
Private transfers of long guns without background checks are generally allowed (subject to federal law).

Special Categories / Exceptions

Long guns vs handguns vs NFA items: No special restrictions for long guns or handguns. NFA items (e.g., suppressors) are legal with the appropriate federal paperwork.
Non-resident purchases allowed only for long gun purchases and the purchaser must comply with federal law and the laws of their home state.

Waiting Period & Timing

Waiting period (days): Pennsylvania has no waiting period for firearm purchases.
Notes / exceptions: Immediate purchase upon background check approval.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

Currently, background checks are not required for long gun purchases.
Confirm dealer requirements for proof of residency.
Ensure all information on the ATF Form 4473 is accurate to avoid delays.
Occasionally the PICS check may be flagged for “research,” delaying transfer.
If NICS is delayed, dealers may be required to hold the firearm per federal rules.
Federal law creates various exceptions law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.
Marijuana users of any kind are prohibited under federal law frompossessing firearms. The ATF and many courts treat a medical marijuana card as presumptive evidence of unlawful use. Marijuana use while possessing a firearm is a felony, thoughrecent court rulings are challenging this, and the Supreme Court has taken up a relevant case with a ruling likely in June or July of 2026.

How to Carry Concealed in Pennsylvania

System Type

Shall-issue concealed carry (i.e. you must have a license).

Prerequisites

Age: 21 years or older.
Residency: Applicants must apply in their county of residence (or in Philadelphia, through the police department). Non-residents may apply for a PA LTCF following the same process, but only if they hold an equivalent license in their state of residency.
Training: No training is required for a Pennsylvania License to Carry
Disqualifying factors: Felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions, adjudicated mental incompetence, and any condition that makes the applicant prohibited under federal law (e.g., involuntary commitment or unlawful controlled substance use). This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Application Steps

Complete an application and apply in person (available via county sheriff or Philadelphia PD). Online applications are also typically available. Check your local resources.
Submit identification and proof of residency.
Complete a background check via PICS.
Pay any associated and required fees.

Processing Time

Statute limits processing time to 45 days; some jurisdictions report significantly shorter processing times.

License validity period

LTCFs are valid for 5 years.
LTCF renewals are valid for 5 years.

Restrictions / Prohibited Places

Schools (K–12), on school grounds, and school‑sanctioned events.
Polling places on Election Day.
Courts, jails, and correctional facilities.
While posted “no guns” signs on private property carry no legal force, you may still be asked to leave.
Secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law.
This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Reciprocity

Out-of-state permits are recognized in Pennsylvania only for non-residents of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania residents cannot use an out-of-state permit to carry concealed in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s concealed carry permits are recognized in some other states, but the extent of recognition varies. Check the Attorney General’s page on reciprocity for an up-to-date map (linked below).

Denial & Appeal Process

If your license is denied, you can appeal through the sheriff’s office or courts (procedures vary by county).
Some denials may cite statutory disqualifiers or incomplete documentation.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

Applying through the correct county or agency (Philadelphia vs county) is essential.
Carrying in areas restricted by law (schools, courthouses, etc.) can result in serious penalties.
Carrying while intoxicated can result in serious penalties.
Keep your LTCF valid and renewed to ensure uninterrupted legal benefits and reciprocity.
Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.

Associated Fees

Concealed Carry Permit (initial): $20, however final price can vary depending on the county and method of application due to additional fees.
Concealed Carry Permit Renewal: $20, however final price can vary depending on the county and method of application due to additional fees.
Other Fees / Notes:
Replacement cost for lost LTCF’s is typically in the $5-20 range.

Trans-Specific Considerations

Name or Gender Marker Changes in Progress

Firearm Purchases: Your ID must be current and valid at the time of purchase. If your name and / or gender marker change is finalized but your ID has not yet been updated, you may face delays or denial. If possible, complete your ID update before attempting to purchase.
LTCF Applications: Pennsylvania’s statutory limit of 45 days for LTCF processing limits the likelihood of name changes being processed within that timeframe. However, if you submit an application and your legal name changes during processing, notify your issuing authority immediately. Failure to update your information could result in application denial or a permit issued under an incorrect name, which may create legal complications when carrying.
Form 4473 Accuracy: The ATF Form 4473 must reflect your current legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID. The form also asks for sex information; at present, using the gender marker on your current government-issued ID is the standard practice. Using identifying information that does not match your ID could constitute providing false information and may result in denial or legal consequences.
Practical Implications: It is important if at all possible to complete all legal name and gender marker changes and obtain updated government ID before beginning the firearms purchase or permit application process. This avoids potential complications with background checks and application processing. Short processing windows in the state limit this concern, but avoiding any possible conflict in this manner should make the process easier and more reliable.

Updating an Existing LCTF Permit After Name or Gender Marker Change

Where to update: Contact your original issuing agency (typically your county sheriff or police chief if in Philadelphia) for local guidance on updating your documentation. Any name and / or gender marker changes should be finalized before beginning this process and applied for at the same time if applicable.
Required documentation: Documentation required may vary by county, but be prepared to provide proof of your legal name and / or gender marker change, such as a court order, updated birth certificate, or other official documentation.
Update process: Varies by county. Some Sheriff’s Offices will issue an amended permit, while others may require you to submit a new application. Contact your issuing authority ahead of time for exact guidance.
Processing fee: Varies by county. Some counties report no required fee for an update and reissue.
Processing time: Limited to 45 days as per statute. In practice, sometimes same-day.
Important note on carrying: Your CCW permit should reflect your current legal name before you carry concealed. A mismatch between your ID and permit could create complications during a law enforcement encounter.

Notes:

While Pennsylvania uses the PICS system for running background checks, updates within that system are not required. PICS is a real-time query system that searches databases of prohibited persons, not a registry of current firearms owners. If you are a prohibited person, you will likely still trigger a flag based on your SSN and DOB. Do not attempt to subvert a prohibition. Legal consequences could be severe.
There are ongoing regulatory developments regarding sex designation requirements on Form 4473. We are monitoring this situation and will update this guide as more information becomes available.

Pennsylvania-Specific Considerations

Local ordinance preemption: Yes, local governments cannot impose firearm regulations stricter than state law.
Assault weapons / magazine limits: No statewide assault-weapon ban or magazine cap beyond any established federal restrictions.
ERPO / Red flag laws: Not currently in effect in Pennsylvania.
Registration requirements: None.
Safe storage laws: Pennsylvania does not have a general safe-storage law. However, adults may be criminally liable if they knowingly and intentionally allow a minor under 18 to access or possess a firearm in violation of state law.
Transportation rules: LTCF holders may carry a loaded handgun either openly or concealed. Without an LTCF, handguns must be unloaded and transported only between specific lawful locations. Loaded rifles and shotguns are prohibited in vehicles for everyone, regardless of licensing status. Definitions in this regard and statutes are nuanced, consult official state and local sources to ensure responsible and legal transportation.
Philadelphia specific caveats: State law imposes additional requirements in Philadelphia, where carrying any firearm in public—open or concealed—requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF). The city’s Police Commissioner serves as the issuing authority (relevant statute can be reviewed here).
Other unique issues: Multiple bills are currently working through the legislature which would alter parts of this guide. Bills to enact Red Flag laws, ban machine gun conversion kits (namely glock switches), ban 3d printed guns, and enact background checks for long gun sales could be passed in the near future. Consult up to date and official sources.

Official Links & Documents

State Statutes / Codes

State Police / Firearms Division

Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Website

Permit Applications / Forms

Philadelphia Online LTCF Portal

Attorney General Opinions / Court Decisions

Other Official Resources

Official Pennsylvania LTCF Reciprocity Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can non-residents buy a gun in Pennsylvania?
Non-residents may purchase long guns in the state if they comply with federal law and their home state laws. Handgun purchases are generally restricted to state residents, with limited exceptions for law enforcement or military personnel.

Are private sales required to do background checks?
State law requires handgun transfers go through a licensed dealer and a background check. For long guns, private transfers do not currently require state law background checks. Legislation to this end is working through the State General Assembly. Verify current status of long gun background checks through official sources.

How long is the waiting period?
There is no statewide waiting period for firearm purchases at present.

What is the minimum age to buy a handgun?
21 years old.

Do I need a permit to carry concealed?
Yes — Pennsylvania requires a License to Carry Firearms to carry a firearm concealed.

Where am I prohibited from carrying even with a permit?
Schools (K–12), school grounds, and school‑sanctioned events; polling places on Election Day; courts, jails, and correctional facilities; secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law. Do not carry while intoxicated; doing so is illegal and subject to criminal penalties. This list is not exhaustive. Consult official resources.

Are ghost guns or unserialized guns legal?
Pennsylvania currently has no specific state-level ghost-gun ban; however, legislation which would ban 3d printed guns is currently working through the State General Assembly. Also, Federal law regulates the manufacture and transfer of unserialized firearms and kits.

Are out-of-state permits recognized here?
Yes, for non-residents, but with limitations. See the Attorney General’s reciprocity guide linked above.

How long does the permit process typically take?
Up to 45 days is common; some counties may act faster or slower.

What happens if my concealed carry permit is denied?
You may appeal through the county sheriff’s office or local courts. Procedures vary by county.